Postdoctoral Researcher positions in History

Åbo Akademi söker två forskardoktorer med inriktning historia. Befattningarna hör till den av Finlands Akademi finansierade spetsforskningsenheten NARS (Nationalism Research in the Humanities) som är placerad vid ämnesklustret kultur, historia och filosofi vid Fakulteten för human- och samhällsvetenskap i Åbo, Finland. Anställningarna som forskardoktor är för perioden 1.8.202631.7.2028. De tidsbundna anställningarna är på heltid. Se annonsen i sin helhet på engelska nedan. * [Åbo Akademi University](https://www.abo.fi/en/) is an internationally acknowledged research university with an extensive responsibility for providing education in Swedish in Finland. With its strong Nordic ties, Åbo Akademi University has an acclaimed and recognized position within research and education both nationally and internationally. Åbo Akademi University invites applications for two fixed-term positions as Postdoctoral Researcher in History for the period 1 August 202631 July 2028. The positions are part of the Research Council of Finland funded NARS (Nationalism Research in the Humanities) Centre of Excellence. The appointments are full-time and located at the department of Humanities, unit of Culture, History and Philosophy, at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Åbo Akademi University. The location of work is in Turku, Finland. Research environment NARS Centre of Excellence The CoE NARS consists of four research teams at the Finnish Literature Society, Tampere University, the University of Helsinki and Åbo Akademi University, who study nationalism from the perspectives of historical scholarship and cultural memory studies. The research task is to explore how peoples experiences, emotions, and memories interact with national systems of meaning-making and how nations are constructed in human action. The aim of the CoE is to explain how nationalism works in practice, how it influences the lives of different groups of people, and to expand our understanding of nationalisms various manifestations and functions. The team at Åbo Akademi University is focused on minority nationalisms, and studies interactions, interconnectedness and indifference in relation nationalisms among minority groups. PROFILE AND TASKS We are hiring postdoctoral researchers whose expertise is in nationalism studies in the humanities and who are researching minority nationalism from a comparative perspective. The research is not limited to specific geographical areas or time periods but should employ comparative methodologies in relation to minority nationalisms. The postdoctoral researchers will primarily focus on their own research and be a part of the activities at NARS. They will also be expected to teach (5 %) and organize workshops and seminars. The preferred start date is 1 August 2026. Or start date according to agreement. QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION A postdoctoral researcher is required to hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field, e.g history or a related field. The time elapsed since receiving the doctoral degree should not exceed four years. The applicants should have: strong track record and documented ability to conduct independent research, ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and communicate results clearly, strong documented communication and writing skills in English. The applications will be assessed as follows: Research competence (60%), including academic merits and scholarly publications in the relevant scientific field, relevance of the research plan, previous participation in research projects and requested practical skills. Interactive competence (20%), including administrative experience, co-operative skills, the ability to interact with the surrounding academic environment and society, as well as international collaboration within the relevant research field. Pedagogical competence (20%), including teaching and supervision experience, experience in teaching planning and development, university pedagogical studies or equivalent. The appointment will be based on an overall assessment of the applicants potential for development and competencies and in relation to the necessary qualities to carry out the tasks for the position successfully. The applicants may be invited to an interview that can take place in person or on distance. SALARY AND CONDITIONS The salary is determined by the [collective agreement system of Finnish universities](https://www.sivista.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/YPJ-ja-harkkarien_Palkkataulukot_010725_010626_010627.pdf), aligning with the research personnel category. The requirement levels of the researcher positions are 56. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance is paid. The average monthly salary, depending on previous experience and skills, is around 36004100 euros per month at the beginning of the employment. Researchers have a total working time of 1,612 hours per year. A trial period of six months applies to all new employees. APPLICATION Please submit your electronic application no later than 4 May 2026 at 15:00 (EET, Finnish time zone). Åbo Akademi University uses the Laura recruitment tool for electronic applications, please see [guidelines on the electronic application](https://www.abo.fi/en/about-abo-akademi-university/come-work-with-us/instructions-for-submitting-an-application/). The application should include the following enclosures (in English): 1. A cover letter describing your scientific background, research interests and motivation for the assignment (max 2 pages). 2. A CV (according to [Finnish National Board on Research Integrity recommendations](https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae), TENK) including a full list of publication and works accepted for publication, listed according to [classification of Ministry of Education, Science and Culture](https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines/list-of-publications/). 3. A research plan for the position at hand (max 3 pages) 4. Copies of degree certificate(s) 5. Names and contact details of max three reference persons. BENEFITS Join our dynamic and innovative international community by seizing the opportunity we present. As a member of the Åbo Akademi Un